Tomkins hails impact of new Eagles

James Tomkins has praised the impact new signings Christian Benteke and Steve Mandanda have already made at Crystal Palace.

The duo made their debuts in Tuesday's comfortable 2-0 EFL Cup second-round defeat of Blackpool, when Tomkins also started for the club for the first time.

He spoke of goalkeeper Mandanda's confidence in possession and of £27m club-record signing Benteke providing a goal threat when it has consistently been missing.

Tomkins said: "It was a nice test to get through 90 minutes," said the 27-year-old. "I am raring to go. I want to play. I feel ready. My injury is behind me.

"(Mandanda's) brilliant. As a defender it relieves a lot of pressure knowing someone is going to get the ball. It is a great statement (to sign Benteke). Hopefully he can hit the ground running. I know we have been struggling to score goals. He is a presence."